While most people have a general idea of the benefits of knowing how to administer first aid, many still balk at having to enroll and attend training courses to acquire the skills. Citing lack of time or not knowing where to sign up for them, many are often content to let it be “someone else’s problem”.
The truth is there’s no excuse not to start learning today; most classes are only one to three hours long and there are several organisations that offer first aid training courses and certification in Australia. If you are an individual who is still on the fence about whether or not you should sign up for a course, read on for 4 compelling reasons that will convince you that it’s in your best interests:
Personal Enrichment
First aid courses are often marketed to the public with proclamations that attending them will enable an individual to learn how to save lives—and they will. In a basic first aid training course, you’ll learn how to assess casualties, perform CPR and first aid to those in need of them, and operate equipment used in first aid as necessary, among a host of other skills. Often, these skills can also be employed in daily life and not just in emergency situations.
It’s as productive a use of your time as learning any other ability such as painting, cooking, or woodworking. Those feeling stagnant in their personal lives can feel innately rewarded by attending and completing a first aid training course. These courses are also especially useful for new parents and homemakers taking care of children and elderly family members.
Professional Advancement
Companies are always on the lookout for someone who can bring something more than the necessary skills to the table when they are scouting for new employees to hire. You increase your value as a prospect when you possess certifications in areas that are related to the job you are applying for, as well as additional qualifications that can make you an asset to the existing workforce. Statements of attainment in administering CPR or first aid are examples of such qualifications that can make you an attractive option to any employer.
In certain industries, having a statement of attainment in administering CPR or first aid is an essential requirement. If you are looking to become a medical services or childcare provider, fitness coach or personal trainer, flight attendant, or social worker, you will have to go through a comprehensive first aid training course.
Prepares the Learner for Unexpected Situations
Accidents and emergencies can knock any person out of their comfort zone. In such cases, it can be difficult to remain objective and cool-headed; most become panicked and are rendered helpless.
One of the first lessons you’ll learn during a first aid training course is how to remain calm under duress. This is a skill that can enable you to stay confident in every situation, even non-emergencies.
Prevent Further Injury
Critical situations often deteriorate rapidly. According to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, about 20,000 Australians suffer from cardiac arrest every year, and those who suffer them outside a hospital have only a 10% chance of surviving. Those who do survive are still at risk of permanent brain damage and other disabilities if intervention is not applied within the first 3 to 5 minutes. Prompt and proper administration of first aid and CPR can help stabilize a person’s condition until emergency services arrive on the scene, and as such its importance cannot be understated.
Knowing how to administer first aid and CPR can mean the difference between life and death, temporary injury and lifelong disability, and rapid versus prolonged recovery. Whether you are personally or professionally motivated into signing up for a first aid training course, the result should always be infinitely rewarding.